Rio Ferdinand, a legend of Manchester United, has disclosed that he could have made an incredible £100 million by battling British Nigerian heavyweight Anthony Joshua after he retired from the game.
After retiring in 2015, the former England defender seriously considered going into professional boxing. He even built a private boxing ring at home and dedicated himself to a rigorous training schedule. But when his application for a boxing license was denied, his dreams were dashed.
Ferdinand claimed that he traveled great miles and trained assiduously for six months in order to get ready for life in the ring.
“I sparred at the gym in Sheffield’s Olympic Legacy Park for six months,” Ferdinand told Men’s Health.
On a Monday, I would spend four or five hours in the automobile for training. I meant it. However, I was not granted a license. The weekend my license was submitted, someone passed away.
At the height of athlete-celebrity crossover boxing events, the 47-year-old, who won six Premier League titles with Manchester United, feels the decision cost him a lucrative opportunity.
“I could have spent a hundred million dollars battling AJ! I am unable to wait around. “It was now or never,” he continued.
A number of well-known athletes and public personalities were competing in high-profile fights at the time, and the financial incentives attracted attention from people outside of the boxing community.
According to reports, a boxing-related death the same weekend led to Ferdinand’s license being denied, which prompted inspectors to examine him more closely. It’s also thought that his age of 36 at the time played a role in the choice.
Ferdinand also revealed the physical toll football has taken on his body, in addition to his unfulfilled boxing career. He disclosed that because of excruciating back pain from his lengthy playing career, he has periodically had to use a wheelchair.
